Wallace & Gromit Forum - Book about Animationhttp://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102
The latest news from this Wallace & Gromit Forum discussionenHotwire v0.1Message from mr joe kiddhttp://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_433527
hi all
has anyone read this book?
i got it for xmas from my Aunty
from a book shop in london.
Its writen by my friend.
It tells you anything you need
to know about animation.
It has pictures of wallace and gromit
and other Aardman hits.
The synopsis:
To make great animation, you need to know how to control a whole world: how to make a character, how to make that character live and be happy or sad. You need to create four walls around them, a landscape, the sun and moon - a whole life for them. You have to get inside that puppet and first make it live, then make it perform. Susannah Shaw provides the first truly practical introduction to the craft skills of model animation. This is a vital book in the development of model animation which, following the success of Aardman's first full-length film, Chicken Run, is now at the forefront of modern animation. Illustrated in full colour throughout, you are shown step by step how to create successful model animation.Starting with some basic exercises, you will learn about developing a story, making models, creating set and props, the mechanics of movement, filming, post production and how to set about finding that elusive first job in a modern studio. Susannah Shaw is Programme Development Manager for the Animated Exeter festival. She was head of the Bristol Animation Course from 1996 to 2000 at the University of the West of England and former camera assistant at Aardman (working on 'A Close Shave' among other films). This is the best-selling full-color practical introduction to the craft skills of model animation. Benefit from the advice of top international animators such as Nick Park and Tim Hittle. Discover everything you need to know to be a model animator in a modern studio!
The author Susanah Shaw used to be a camera assistant for Nick Park and worked at Aardman for 6 years.
She is now in charge of Animated Exeter and a good friend of mine.
If you want any info on where to buy the book just ask i will reply as soon a possible.

Mrjoekidd + ]]>http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_433527Message from ben mhttp://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_434713
what websites is it on]]>http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_434713Message from thetopbunhttp://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_434838
Amazon... I saw it before!]]>http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_434838Message from ben mhttp://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_434853
thanks]]>http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_434853Message from FleaCircusDirectorhttp://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_436418
I have a copy of the previous version of that book, I'd recommend it too.

The only book on stop motion that I don't think is good value for money is "Stop-Motion Armature Machining: A Construction Manual". It goes into the fine details of how you make the joints in metal armatures using serious metal working tools sch as a lathe and milling machine. Hence most people would not have the tools to make these. Susanah's book goes into more general detail and you should be able to make the items with a basic home workshop.]]>http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_436418Message from Lozi101http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_443544
What's the title
i think im going to get it!]]>http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_443544Message from Rebelhttp://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_462716
Cracking Animation is good.]]>http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_462716Message from Boffinhttp://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_485700
I have both Cracking Animation and Susannah Shaw's book and both are excellent. However, a word of caution, both books are aimed at animators who wish to achieve very high standards - much higher standards than those typically posted on this web site under "Your Creations". (Although there are some exceptions to this - Ian Timothy etc.) Consequently, some would be animators may be put off animation by reading these books.

I believe the best way to get started is to look on the web since it is possible to get going without spending a fortune. I tried to summarise my own research on the subject on my blog:http://stopframeanimation.blogspot.com/]]>http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_485700Message from chees3gromithttp://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_488160
i've got both of them too, and must say they are very helpful. I have all the materials and know to make my own armature now. and it helps with all the basics too.

I dont know if I would be considered a great animator, but I have yet to test out how good I am.

and that is so cool that she is a friend of yours mr joe kidd, please tell her her book is amazing for me ]]>http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_488160Message from The Aaron Shows Productionshttp://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_816879
I read Creating 3D Animation. It's the Aardman book of film making. ]]>http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_816879Message from Animationalhttp://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_821352
The Animator's Survival Kit is by far the best book on animation around. It's written by Richard Williams himself and covers everything from basic to advanced theories of movement. My girlfriend bought it for me (I do computer animation mostly) and the book has become a necessity to me, an extremely helpful tool and I recommend it to every animator here...

Here's a series of videos that show a few of the tips in the book... http://youtu.be/vjIK_6TSX1I]]>http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_821352Message from morph2468http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_822180
the best animation book by far is definitely the klutz book of animation its clear helpful and amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]]>http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_822180Message from cleasby99http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_827574
Cracking Animation is the best ]]>http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_827574Message from alibongobhttp://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_827712
yea i just got that one out the lirbray its amazing!]]>http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_827712Message from iantimothyhttp://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/26102#message_828170
I would suggest "Basics animation: Stop motion." and that's not just because I am in it!!